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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

February 29, 2020 · Piper PA18 150 · N7384D

Big Lake, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 29, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Big Lake, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA18 150 (1957)
Tail Number
N7384D
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC20CA030

The pilot reported that, while performing touch-and-go landings, he applied carburetor heat during the second landing. During takeoff after the second landing, he turned the carburetor heat off and applied full power. Once airborne, the airplane began to lose power, and he manipulated the throttle and carburetor heat levers, but engine power was not restored. He chose to make a precautionary landing straight-ahead on the runway with partial engine power. During the landing, the airplane departed the end of the runway, impacted snow, and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing lift strut and empennage. A postaccident engine examination and test run revealed no preaccident malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The exact probability of carburetor icing could not be calculated for the accident airport because the closest weather observation station was 8 miles away. However, the pilot stated that, while landing, there were about 3 inches of fresh snow on the runway and that he believed that propeller wash likely introduced snow into the intake, which created carburetor ice. He added that he should have left the carburetor heat on longer after the second landing.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to use carburetor heat in conditions conducive to carburetor icing, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power, a precautionary landing, and impact with snow.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that while performing touch-and-go maneuvers, he had applied carburetor heat during the second landing. During the takeoff, after the second landing, he turned the carburetor heat off and applied full power. Once airborne, the airplane began to lose power and he manipulated the throttle and carburetor heat levers but was unable to regain power. He chose to make a precautionary landing straight-ahead with partial engine power. During the landing on the remaining runway, the airplane departed the end of the runway, encountered unmaintained snow, and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut and empennage. A post-accident engine examination and test run was accomplished by the NTSB and FAA with no malfunctions or failures revealed. The exact probability of carburetor icing was not able to be calculated for the accident airport due to the closest weather observation station being 8 miles away. The pilot however stated that while landing, there was about 3 inches of fresh snow on the runway, and that he believed the propeller wash likely introduced snow into the intake, which created carburetor ice. He added that he should have left the carburetor heat on longer after the second landing.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:40 AKST
Nearest AirportBIGLAKE (0nm E)
Runway7
Runway Length2450 ft
Runway Width70 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA18 150
Tail NumberN7384D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 36 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point23 C / 9 C
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time01:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data